Developed by social theorist Ari Cowan more than a decade ago, the Integrative Conflict Management Model (ICM2) is built around an in-depth understanding of human relationships, the need for personal, family, community, institutional, and organizational power; and strategies for management and resolution of conflict through the application of appropriate and healthy forms of power.

Theorist Ari Cowan received the National Public Health Award (the "Broad Street Pump Award") in recognition for his work in violence prevention and response from the United States affiliate of the international physician group that was awarded the 1985 Nobel Prize for Peace..

The model is one of three Cowan developed along a "human power continuum" — from healthy power to unhealthy power, the most extreme expression of which is violence. He first developed the Integrative Violence Prevention and Restoration (PAR) Model to test the power continuum concept in the most challenging circumstances. The PAR Model has been successfully demonstrated in schools, an international setting and a Level 5 (maximum security) prison. Because the ICM2 is built on a public health foundation, it is applicable in all cultural settings.

Under the ICM2, those dealing with the challenge of conflict in their lives, as well as professionals working in the field, can integrate an understanding of power issues, brain dynamics and a person's ability to restructure their experience of reality so that conflict is effectively managed, minimized, or eliminated. This approach and its core elements allow a broad range of attributes — such as effective listening techniques, compassion, understanding and respectful debate — to operate free of the inhibiting weight of traditional approaches.

The ICM2 integrates a broad range of diverse disciplines including social theory, neuroscience, the public health approach, developmental theory, attachment theory, learning theory, psychology and physiology. It is a compassionate alternative to toxic punitive approaches to dealing with conflict.